Allies URGENT

[CHEESE2009]

I got a call from a potential client, said he found me off of Youtube. (cool) I got his address, then realized he was the customer of my ally, so I called them up and said, "Was XXXXX a client of yours? I just got a call from him". Now we both don't know what to do right now. We scratch each others backs often, but if I take this client it could start a war. I told the potential client I would get back to him with my estimate within 48 hours, but my ally still needs to speak with the other owner. Any suggestions?

[CHEESE2009]

Lawn care business tips

Ok, we're both going to charge $100/month and whoever gets the client keeps him. Awkward situation boys!

[willshome]

Originally Posted by CHEESE2009

Ok, we're both going to charge $100/month and whoever gets the client keeps him.

Awkward situation boys!

would you charge $100 normally or just because that's what they are charging? I would charge what you would not knowing anything, but don't low ball

[Ducke]

Trust no one ......................
Keep an eye on your competition at all times................
Sleep with one eye open...........................
everyone is out to steal your customers....................

I hear them all the time out there in the darkness whispering, undercutting me while I try to sleep. HA....... ya HA I say to you all I will not go down with out a fight.

Never underestimate your closest friends ..........................EVER.

[Steve]

How did you know this was a friend's customer?

It will be interesting to find out why he wanted to switch and if he was a good customer or not.

[CHEESE2009]

Originally Posted by Steve

How did you know this was a friend's customer?

It will be interesting to find out why he wanted to switch and if he was a good customer or not.

I used to be apart of them years back. I know all of their customers, and maintained most of the lawns!

As for the client, I never met him. Over the phone he sounded like a pretty relaxed and not picky at all kind of guy... but you can't judge a book by it's cover. I do trust the person who mentioned he was a problem customer, we are always honest with each other.

The guy said (competitor);

"It's like I would always have to be the one to cut his lawn, if anyone else in the team did it, he would get upset and act as if the work wasn't good enough or done wrong"... I totally understand this client mindset.. It's annoying and very common and WRONG.

/

I could take the client, and not look out for the other company. I just feel that it's in our best interests to look after each other, and weed out the other guys.

As long as 'we' can negotiate to keep me happy, there will be no stealing of clients. However, if I am ever unhappy, things WILL go south. They understand this.

Together, we have more influence of setting standards (price and quality), Which I feel is most important, ... considering how the lowballers actually achieved to make the standard peanuts.

If I go up to any homeowner and say, I'm charging you 'anything over $60 per month', they will freak out. It's not easy, and it's not right.

Our prices should start at $90 tax included, that's how screwed our town is.

[Lawn Cop]

I agree with Cheese. The low ballers really do set the standard for pricing in an area. One guy in my town is advertising that he will” beat any price”. I have been thinking that I would write myself a receipt to do my acre of property for five bucks and given him a call. And if he can’t beat it take him to small claims court for false advertising. But, no matter what there will always be low ballers and the fly by night guys that are here today and gone tomorrow. I guess it’s just part of the business.

[Steve]

Are there any updates on this customer? Did you end up taking him on or no?

[cruzgardening]

Originally Posted by Lawn Cop

I have been thinking that I would write myself a receipt to do my acre of property for five bucks and given him a call. And if he can’t beat it take him to small claims court for false advertising.

Let me know if you would like me to write the receipt makes it more credible i hate the low ballers :P I've been weeding them off from about 3 streets in 2 different towns slowly

[cruzgardening]

Hey Cheese hope u remember me, I havent been around for a while, work has been busy. Anyhow i think your aproach is the right one but i would charge, instead of $100, $120 and see if the client is willing to take it i know you might come off as more expensive but then again you will still have an ally